PM talks with Chinese premier

Julia Gillard has spoken with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao for the first time since
becoming prime minister in June.
Premier Wen congratulated Ms Gillard on forming a government and invited her to
visit China when the two spoke on the phone on Friday afternoon.
"The prime minister said she looked forward to visiting," a spokeswoman for Ms
Gillard said in a statement.
The Labor leader is seen as a something of a novice in international relations and
was criticised for ignoring foreign policy during the election campaign.
But on Friday the prime minister and Premier Wen talked of a "strengthening
bilateral relationship".
"(Ms) Gillard expressed her condolences for the impact of the severe recent flooding
in China," her spokeswoman said.
"The prime minister also underlined her commitment to further strengthening the
bilateral relationship with China, including by building on the strong economic
relationship and our co-operation in regional and global forums, particularly the
G20."
The two leaders agreed to keep in "close contact".
They want Australia and China "to work together to make the most of opportunities in
the relationship".
"Premier Wen welcomed the strengthening bilateral relationship," Ms Gillard's
spokeswoman said.
The Australian prime minister also spoke on Friday with Canada's leader, Stephen
Harper, and Tonga's prime minister, Feleti Sevele.
Both congratulated her on pulling together a minority government.